One of the most remarkable advancements of the 20th century was the ability for people of all social backgrounds to afford travel. What was once a luxury for the wealthy became accessible to millions. Net Zero policies are now threatening these hard-won gains. From soaring travel costs to higher living expenses, the UK's current approach to achieving its environmental goals harms ordinary families, and Lincolnshire is no exception.
Crushing Costs for Families
Take aviation as an example. The Government's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate requires airlines to use 10% green fuel by 2030 and 22% by 2040. According to their impact assessments, this could add over £300 to the cost of a holiday for a family of four by 2040. Over 80% of these increased costs will fall directly on consumers. Families in Lincolnshire, already grappling with rising living costs, are expected to bear this financial burden for policies that do little to deliver meaningful environmental benefits.
This isn't fairness—it's an attack on the living standards of ordinary people. Lincolnshire's families, who contribute so much to their communities and local economy, shouldn't be punished for policy failures rooted in centralised ideology.
Electric Vehicles: A Policy Mismatch
Another example is the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which forces car manufacturers to ensure at least 28% of their sales are electric this year. Those that don't comply face steep fines of £15,000 per non-electric vehicle over the quota. But the demand for electric cars isn't there yet. Consumers remain unconvinced by high prices, limited charging infrastructure, and the practicality of EVs in rural areas like Lincolnshire.
To meet the mandate, manufacturers may raise the price of petrol and diesel vehicles to subsidise discounts on electric models. Alternatively, they may limit the availability of non-electric cars altogether. Either scenario leaves Lincolnshire's residents worse off, with fewer affordable choices and increased costs for vehicles essential to life in a rural county.
A Centralised, Out-of-Touch Approach
Net Zero has become synonymous with centralised planning, where the Government dictates the goals and methods to achieve them. This heavy-handed approach undermines local economies, especially in rural areas like Lincolnshire, where people rely on affordable transport, energy, and farming.
The state's attempt to micromanage every aspect of economic activity creates unintended consequences that hurt consumers and businesses. The result? Policies that disproportionately harm those who can least afford them.
A Smarter Path Forward
What's needed is a more innovative approach that balances environmental progress with economic realities. Rather than imposing costly mandates, we should focus on pragmatic solutions:
• Incentivising innovation in cleaner technologies instead of forcing rigid quotas.
• Investing in local energy solutions, like Lincolnshire's potential to lead on clean energy infrastructure, including hydrogen and advanced agricultural technology.
• Allowing market mechanisms to drive change by pricing environmental impacts fairly and transparently.
Nuclear is part of the solution.
Investing in nuclear energy is a key part of the solution to the UK's energy crisis. Unlike unreliable renewables, nuclear power provides a stable and affordable energy supply, reducing dependence on expensive imports and volatile markets. Reforming Net Zero policies should include prioritising the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which can be deployed more quickly and safely while creating jobs in places like Lincolnshire. By embracing nuclear alongside other practical energy solutions, we can lower energy costs and secure a cleaner, more reliable future without impoverishing families.
Net Zero shouldn't mean zero common sense. It's time to rethink how these policies affect everyday life in Lincolnshire and the UK. Protecting the environment shouldn't come at the cost of our communities' prosperity or families' ability to thrive.
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